Bookkeeper Vs. Accountant-Do I Need Both??

You may be thinking, I have an accountant already,

why do I need to hire a bookkeeper?

While it's true your accountant can complete many of the tasks your bookkeeper does. The fact is that they will charge you more to do it. Bookkeepers record day-to-day financial information that accountants use to compile year end tax information and other aspects that effect the big picture of the company.

A bookkeeper can help you know exactly where your money is going every month, help with cash flow and make you feel more confident in your business needs. Every little transaction is recorded and complied. It is often a bookkeeper that catches the small mistakes and keeps the books tidy in order to pass along to the accountant at year end. The two professions really work well together.

I once heard it explained this way, when we go the hospital we often have nurses and a doctor looking after us. While the doctor's knowledge is invaluable and well respected, it is often the nurses that handle the many tasks leading up to the time spent with the doctor. Both professions are needed and highly valued.

Ultimately it's up to you and your business needs to determine what level of financial assistance you need. But a bookkeeper will always help you understand where your money is going. What a huge help in these uncertain times!